The Internet: Everyone Is Connected

Abstract

This chapter offers a definition of the Internet (of which there are many), a timeline on the development the Internet and devices that make use of it, and of various sociocultural issues connected with the Internet, such as the problem of privacy in the Internet age, the social problem of bullying by people using the Internet, and the impact the Internet has had on our psyches—especially in relation to loneliness and isolation that afflict many people. It also deals with addiction to video games and the forthcoming “Internet of Things,” in which all of our digital devices will be connected to one another and can be operated with our smartphones.